Cancer is a leading cause of death in the U.S., yet each year brings diagnostic and treatment discoveries that lead to new hope for individuals and families as they learn about and manage this disease. The information presented here will help you learn more about what causes cancer and its risk factors.

With the discovery of new genes almost daily, scientists are learning more about the factors that lead to cancer based on this new knowledge. Because cancers result from alterations in genes, understanding these changes and what causes them will help you better interpret the role they play in prevention and diagnosis.

Learning that you may have cancer can be an overwhelming experience, but a detailed understanding of diagnostic procedures that are often used will aid you during this process. Your physician will begin a series of tests to obtain a complete diagnosis, and then the best course of treatment will be recommended.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is important for you to know that you play an important role in the treatment process. Here you will learn about the people who make up a cancer care team, as well as gain insights into common treatments including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and biological therapies.